Republic of Singapore Navy Launches New Submarine Training Centre

Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lai Chung Han (centre) at the launch of the Submarine Training Centre with Commanding Officer Submarine Squadron Colonel David Foo Suan Jiong (right) and Head Training Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Eddie Tan Kian Wee.

Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lai Chung Han officiated at the launch of the new Submarine Training Centre (STC) at Changi Naval Base this afternoon.

Since 2000, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has been conducting local submarine training and qualifying new submariners in Singapore. The launch of the STC signifies a major milestone in the history of RSN's local submarine training. The STC is a one-stop training facility that enhances training realism, effectiveness and efficiency, and is able to meet all operational training and qualification requirements for the submariners. The STC also features simulators where both individual and team training can be conducted in a safe environment incorporating realistic scenarios.

On the same day, two RSN Challenger-class submarines, RSS Challenger and RSS Centurion, were also retired from service. These submarines have served the RSN well since 1997. In recognition of RSS Challenger's role as the RSN’s first submarine and training platform, the STC has been named RSS Challenger.

Also present at the ceremony were senior officials and pioneer submariners from the RSN.

RSN submariners undergoing helmsman training in one of the training facilities housed in the Submarine Training Centre.